Tuberculous mastitis: a rare disease

Two cases of tuberculous mastitis are described. This disease remains rare. While routine laboratory investigations are not helpful in its diagnosis, fine needle aspiration to allow histologic examination of tissue and culture is essential--both to differentiate tuberculous mastitis from pyogenic breast abscess and breast carcinoma, and to guide antimicrobial therapy. Antituberculous drugs in combination with aspiration or surgical drainage are usually associated with an excellent outcome.